Silver pocket watch found in West Virginia (old)
Description
Found a silver pocket watch this afternoon around 2:45pm in West Virginia (old), Charleston, near the old state Capitol building on Capitol Street, in the little pedestrian plaza by the fountain. It's about 1.75 inches across, silver-tone with a slightly tarnished finish, and the face uses roman numerals with no brand visible. The back is engraved with the initials 'J.S.' and the chain is still attached but a bit tangled; the crystal has a small crack and the case has a tiny dent. It seems to tick when moved, but I can't tell how accurate it is. I’d really like to get it back to its owner or someone who recognizes it—the story behind it probably matters to someone.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.